Lesley Hurd said: "Roads closed for nearly ten hours is a massive imposition and possible with tragic consequences. I don't give a stuff about cycling, let them cycle to their hearts content. But do not shut countryside roads!"

Kyrie Holmes said: "There are enough cycle paths they can just use those instead of clogging up our roads and inconveniencing everyone in the process!"

Manager of the Fox and Hounds in Funtington said the pub has lost 70 per cent of its usual revenue but is 'still open for business'.'General manager Marco Ruggiori said he 'felt sorry' for the cyclists after all the preparation but said: "I'm very angry. We usually have around 350 covers on a Sunday."

Carolyn Ann said: "Most areas whose main economy is tourism would be welcoming with open arms 15,000 visitors bringing their hard earned cash to spend in the hotels and restaurants in the area and highlighting the beauty of West Sussex."

She added: "Goodwood closes the roads around Lavant when they have events on and I never hear anyone complain!"

A team of urologists who raised 20,000 for charity said they were 'gutted' but think that the event organisers made the 'right decision'.

Jonell Aungiers said her business was going to be impacted 'massively' by the event. She said: "I can list many real problems people were facing and not of of these clients were against cyclists or organised sports events."

She added: "If they organise it for next year, with rolling road blocks — I'll be there cheering them on!"